Business Stage

Get ready to elevate your barbering skills by visiting the Business Stage at this year’s Barber Connect at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) Birmingham

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BUSINESS STAGE

Who's ready to level up their business skills with our Business Stage? This stage will cover a wide range of topics from industry leaders. Gain valuable insights and optimise your business plan for success in 2025!

 

Full line-up coming soon...

SUNDAY

18th May, 2025

  • So you want to become a Brand Ambassador...?

    Danny Robinson

    So you want to become a Brand Ambassador...?


    So you want to become a Brand Ambassador...?

    Danny Robinson


    11:15 18th May, 2025

  • Why am I not making money from retail?

    Ian Harrold

    ,

    Graeme Macaskill

    Why am I not making money from retail?


    Why am I not making money from retail?

    Ian Harrold

    Ian Harrold established his first company Traditions Barber Shop in the North West in 1996 when he was just 21 through a grant from The Princes Trust. In 2003 he diversified further into men’s grooming and opened an appointment-based men’s salon called Attitude. For almost two decades, Ian has enjoyed the role of Lead Educator for American Crew as well as being an award-winning member of the Global Allstar Education Team.

    Why am I not making money from retail?

    Graeme Macaskill


    12:00 18th May, 2025

  • Why is it SO hard to recruit right now?

    Joe Pomper

    ,

    Wez Jones

    ,

    Naomi Richardson

    Why is it SO hard to recruit right now?


    Why is it SO hard to recruit right now?

    Joe Pomper

    Why is it SO hard to recruit right now?

    Wez Jones

    Owner of HeartBreak Club. Barber of over 16years. Wez has spent over a decade defining and redefining the circulating trends of the men's hair and distributing the need to know techniques and styles back to students and the hair world. Having worked with some incredible brands along the way such as Reuzel, BaByliss Pro, just to name a few.

    Why is it SO hard to recruit right now?

    Naomi Richardson

    Proud Northerner Naomi started cutting hair at the age of fourteen and, after many years at high end salons, she decided to head south and move into barbering. Her unique skillset and work ethic saw her promoted to Manager, and more recently, senior barber at Ruffians. Naomi’s large client list and her 2024 debut at Wahl, Barber of the Year, backs up our opinion that she is one of central London’s finest hair professionals.


    12:45 18th May, 2025

  • The impact of budget- and how to fight back

    Bobby Gordon

    ,

    Steph Stevenson

    ,

    Phil Jarman

    The impact of budget- and how to fight back


    The impact of budget- and how to fight back

    Bobby Gordon

    I have been in the industry since 1992. I own Fella a small chain of barbershops located in Soho, Canterbury and Folkestone and have been in business for 17 years now. Modern Barber Business Leader of the year 2024.

    The impact of budget- and how to fight back

    Steph Stevenson

    Steph Stevenson is a trailblazer in merging artificial intelligence with the barbering and salon business, revolutionising the industry. As a keynote speaker and seasoned business leader, she possesses a wealth of successful ventures and hard-earned insights. Steph is fiercely dedicated to future-proofing salons, offering a treasure trove of innovative ideas and battle-tested strategies. Her mission? To steer the world of barbering and salons into a new era with AI at the helm to direct.

    The impact of budget- and how to fight back

    Phil Jarman

    With 37 years in the industry, Phil Jarman is eager to share his extensive knowledge and expertise in men’s hairdressing. From running thriving barbershops to establishing an academy, he’s also traveled globally to educate barbers and hairdressers. His speech promises to be packed with motivation, offering valuable insights drawn from his vast experience and passion for the craft.


    13:30 18th May, 2025

  • Is Industry training fit for purpose?

    Charles Rose

    ,

    Katie Birkes

    Is Industry training fit for purpose?


    Is Industry training fit for purpose?

    Charles Rose

    Meet Charles Rose, a visionary in the world of hairdressing and the driving force behind crate cheshire, a rising star in the salon scene. With a specialisation in short hair and an unwavering commitment to inclusivity, Charles is redefining what it means to be a short-hair specialist, one cut at a time.

    Is Industry training fit for purpose?

    Katie Birkes


    14:15 18th May, 2025

  • Ask me anything panel

    Alex Burt

    ,

    Baldy

    ,

    JJ Savani

    Ask me anything panel


    Ask me anything panel

    Alex Burt

    Owner of Teddy Edwards brand, Alex has been involved with Matakki Scissors for a long while, cutting and presenting on stage for them. Alex decided he would give up his weekend of beers and mingling to instead join us at Barber Connect and offer his expert advice on the Modern Barber Stage. Nominated for a plethora of awards, including being shortlisted as a Modern Barber Awards finalist for best all round barber, Alex epitomises barbering excellence.

    Ask me anything panel

    Baldy

    Baldy is a business owner of 2 shops in Buckinghamshire as well as an Andis global educator, iCandy Scissors Australia all star UK lead educator, cape gang ambassador and to top it all off, British Master Barber of the Year 2022.

    Ask me anything panel

    JJ Savani


    15:00 18th May, 2025

MONDAY

19th May, 2025

  • Breaking Barber Stereotypes

    Derek Shortall

    ,

    Deone Luke

    Breaking Barber Stereotypes


    Breaking Barber Stereotypes

    Derek Shortall

    Derek “Shortie” Shortall is the creative force behind Shorties, a standout barbershop in Lower Clapton, East London. Originally from Ireland, Derek launched Shorties in 2020 as a one-chair private studio, driven by a love for the craft and community. In 2022, he took the leap to the high street, reimagining the space as a bold, inclusive hub where everyone feels welcome. With its striking 1980s-inspired design, Shorties quickly made an impression, earning Best Shop Interior at the 2023 Modern Barber Awards. More than just a barbershop, it has become a go-to destination for those seeking top-tier barbering in a fun and nostalgic setting. Derek and his teams dedication to the craft and commitment to an inclusive client experience continue to set Shorties apart as one of London’s best.

    Breaking Barber Stereotypes

    Deone Luke


    10:30 19th May, 2025

  • Let's talk about...mental health

    Tom Hoffman

    ,

    Damien Diablo

    Let's talk about...mental health


    Let's talk about...mental health

    Tom Hoffman

    A seasoned stylist with a journey spanning over 15 years in the world of grooming and fashion, Tom is the force behind the vision of Diligents. He envisioned a space where men could not only receive exceptional grooming services but also embark on a journey of self-improvement and self-expression. His dream became a reality, and the Diligents gallery stands as a testament to his dedication, creativity, and unwavering commitment to client satisfaction. Tom is also an ambassador and global educator for Depot and co-founder of Hair Curate Live.

    Let's talk about...mental health

    Damien Diablo


    11:15 19th May, 2025

  • Ask me anything

    Josh Lamonaca

    Ask me anything


    Ask me anything

    Josh Lamonaca


    12:00 19th May, 2025

  • Online entrepreneurship- making social media work harder

    Sid da Barber

    ,

    Dean Gleeson

    ,

    Dan Gregory

    Online entrepreneurship- making social media work harder


    Online entrepreneurship- making social media work harder

    Sid da Barber

    Currently, Sid serves as the Creative Director and Manager at Jacks of London in Guildford, where he leads a talented team while providing top-notch barbering services. As a multi-award-winning finalist and a proud member of the UK Top 100 Barbers, his dedication to excellence is unmatched. Sid’s expertise has been featured in prestigious publications, including The Barber Magazine, Hairdressers Journal, Modern Barber, Barber Evo, Revista Coiffure and Estetica Magazine.He also shares his insights and the latest trends in barbering as a columnist for Surrey Rocks Magazine.

    Online entrepreneurship- making social media work harder

    Dean Gleeson

    Dean has dedicated his barbering career to continuously becoming the best at what he does. From creating his own stand-out collections featured in BarberEVO and Modern Barber magazine, to being crowned the winner of Pro Barber World Series, and also running a successful barbershop in Essex for the last 10 years. Dean is known for his expertise and innovative approach to grooming. As Lead Educator for Wahl Professional UK, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of barbers by providing training and guidance on the latest techniques, tools, and trends. Dean is also the Team Lead for The Fellowship Project Men & Media, where he leads a group of top-tier barbers in promoting excellence and advancing the craft within the industry. His collaboration with Wahl has solidified his position as a key figure in professional barbering, inspiring both seasoned barbers and newcomers alike. With numerous accolades, workshops, and a loyal following, Dean continues to push the boundaries of barbering, empowering others to excel in their craft.

    Online entrepreneurship- making social media work harder

    Dan Gregory

    Dan’s experience combined with his personal and tailored approach makes him one of the most sought after barbers in his industry today. For over 2 decades, his name has been featured in hundreds of publications across the world, he has been named GQ Magazines Best Barber in London for 4 years running, ES magazines Best Gentlemen Hairdresser title. Dan has an impressive list of loyal clients ranging from City Executives to Hollywood stars & has a successful YouTube & TikTok channel Regal Gentleman.


    12:45 19th May, 2025

  • So you want to go freelance?

    Tom Mason-Smith

    So you want to go freelance?


    So you want to go freelance?

    Tom Mason-Smith


    13:30 19th May, 2025

  • What young barbers really think about the industry

    Jai-Li Rayneau

    ,

    Cosmin Gradinaru

    What young barbers really think about the industry


    What young barbers really think about the industry

    Jai-Li Rayneau

    Jai-li Rayneau is a qualified hairdresser, braider/loctician and barber. She currently works at ‘Hairjessers’ and ‘Doitfortheart Studio’ in Milton Keynes.

    What young barbers really think about the industry

    Cosmin Gradinaru

    After moving from Romania to the UK, I immediately focused on my barber education at the London School of Barbering. I quickly honed my unique skills and utilized social media to grow my clientele. After winning my first competition as a Raw Talent, I was entered into the 2025 Barber of the Year contest and had the opportunity to perform at Modern Barber, sharing my knowledge with others. Make sure to prepare your questions for my seminar at Modern Barber in BC Birmingham on May 18th at 14:30. This is an event you won’t want to miss.


    14:15 19th May, 2025

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